Coffee, my new love....

I know it's hard to believe that I've gone so long without discovering the joy of coffee! I've always preferred tea, and just didn't like the taste of coffee, unless I poured half a gallon of cream and buckets of sugar in it. Recently, I decided to eliminate a lot of sugar from my diet, no more sodas or sugar in my tea. Suddenly, black coffee started to taste really good-and I mean GOOD! I then started to notice coffee tumblers, I mean I wanted a cool one to take my coffee on the go. I didn't want a plain one, or one that advertised for a coffee corporation. I then decided to make my own, and thought-maybe there are others who want something unique for their coffee too? Hence, I'm trying my hand at Illustrated Ink travel mugs! I just listed my first one in my Etsy shop, but there are many more sizes and designs to come! Must go make coffee.....

My New Tattoo!

Last week, I had my first session getting my new tattoo! We got through the outline in about 3.5 hours, and I go in for the color in about a week. It's an original design by Alexander Tovar at Black Cat Tattoo, here in Austin. I just told him that I wanted an "old school" design with a woman's profile, peacock feathers flowing from her hair, and lots of roses.;) the piece is stunning in person, I can't wait for the color! Alexander is an amazing artist and such an awesome person to talk to-I highly recommend him. His MySpace page: Alexandertattoo.

Doe, a Deer, a Tattooed Deer...

New painting on Etsy! A little sweeter than my normal work, but it was so fun for me to go cute crazy! A lovely, little doe wanders through the woodland flowers...pondering her next tattoo. Check it out!:)

Blog Giveaway Winners!

Wow! I have to say a huge "THANK YOU" to everyone who participated in my "Name Our Kitten" blog giveaway. I was blown away by the number of responses and great variety of creative names! I initially was going to have one winner, but I have a favorite and my boyfriend has a favorite. So we have two winners! Congratulations, Marybeth I. & longtimeaglow! Marybeth suggested "Amber", and that was my personal favorite (although there were so many cute names!) Longtimealow suggested "Juniper", and my boyfriend loves that name. I will be sending your Hello Kitty magnets out on Monday! :) Thank you again everyone, I really appreciate you taking the time to suggest your wonderful names, and so does our kitten (she's 8 weeks old today)!

The Custom Chest Is Finished!!

Today, I delivered the custom cedar chest to Roman and Jana! I initially thought it would take me about two weeks to complete, ha, that's laughable now! :) I spent a couple months sanding and painting this lovely, but it was so worth it! Thankfully, Roman and Jana were very patient with me. I'm very pleased with the finished piece!

Blog Giveaway! Help us name our new kitten!

Yesterday we got a new addition to our family! She's a sweet, tiny bundle of furry lovin'! She's full of curiosity, purrs a lot, and has a diamond pattern on her forehead. She has multi-colored furr (black, brown, and tan). My boyfriend and I haven't come up with the right name for her yet, and we need your help!

What to do:

*Please comment on this post with your kitten names (you can comment as many times as you'd like).
*I'll gift a "Dia de los Muertos" Hello Kitty magnet from my Etsy shop to the person whose name we like best!
*This giveaway ends on Saturday, June 20th at 2p.m., and I'll post the winner that evening.

Kitten says, "Meow, meow, thank you!"

Wicked Candy Shop!

New e-Bay pieces listed tonight! I gave these old fashioned candy jars a sugary sweet makeover. :) The wood lids feature a rose with a candy heart, a sugar skull with candy canes, and a winged cupcake with sprinkles. These fun jars would liven up any room or shop! As usual, bidding starts at only .99!